Pregnancy and
Post-partum Care.

Pregnancy and Post-partum Care

We can offer help to pregnant women and new mothers.

During pregnancy, posture, center of gravity and body size all changes as the fetus develops. Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause a loosening of the ligaments and this can lead to upper and lower back pain and wrist pain. After the baby is born, some women experience tailbone, groin, or even pelvic pain related to delivery. She may also experience urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence. The Personal Wellness Center offers safe and effective treatments by specially trained physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists and certified hand therapists.

Low Back & Pelvic Pain

Effective physical therapy treatment options:

• Correction of muscle imbalance in pelvis and spine
• Education in proper body mechanics, posture and back care during pregnancy and post-partum
• Education in care of scar tissue from Cesarean Sections, vaginal tears, or episiotomies.
• Myofacial release and soft-tissue mobilization techniques
• Ultrasound and electrical stimulation (for post-partum women only)
• Progressive relaxation techniques
• Core stabilization exercise programs

Pelvic Floor Weakness and Incontinence

Effective physical therapy treatment options:

• Pelvic muscle exercises with use of biofeedback
• Techniques to maintain control of bowel and bladder to prevent future incontinence
• Correction of muscle imbalance in pelvis and spine
• Specialized abdominal and core stabilization program

Wrist Pain and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

During pregnancy many women experience swelling in their extremities. When this occurs in the hands and wrists, it can put increased pressure on the median nerve causing a condition known as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome or CTS.

CTS is characterized by pain, tingling or numbness in the thumbs, index, middle and 1/2 of ring finger. It is usually worse at night when the wrist tends to fall into a flexed position. The condition may be aggravated further by prolonged or repetitive grip, pinch, and wrist flexion or forearm rotation.

Effective physical therapy treatment options:

• Splinting the wrist in a neutral position at night to alleviate increased pressure on the nerve from flexion.
• Education on causes and symptoms that includes teaching the patient how to minimize the effects of CTS.
• Hands-on mobilization of soft tissue structures along the pathway that may be impeding its natural glide.
• Exercises to facilitate normal glide of the structures (flexor tendons and median nerve) passing through the carpel tunnel.
• Modalities to help decrease local inflammation and edema.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Personal Wellness Center

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Orthopedic Rehabilitation Associates
(719) 265-6601